wishful thinking

noun

: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe

Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence

The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Decades of following these ideals have shown them to be wishful thinking at best, and more likely self-serving propaganda. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2025 Once the picks start flying, expecting any team to embrace the risk involved in trading out of the top 10 is probably wishful thinking. Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 28 June 2025 But in another way, wishful thinking might cloud your judgment. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 June 2025 If the math doesn’t pencil out early, no amount of wishful thinking will make up for it. David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wishful thinking was in 1932

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Cite this Entry

“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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